Miami Beach is far more than just sun-drenched shores and Art Deco glamour. From South Beach to Mid-Beach and North Beach, this glittering stretch of coastline hides authentic izakayas, sleek omakase counters, and neighborhood gems where you can slurp steaming bowls of ramen, savor delicate sushi rolls, or gather friends for shared plates of yakitori and karaage. These are our 14 essential Japanese spots in Miami Beach.
Katana Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (305) 864-0037 | WEBSITE
After we dined at Katana Japanese Restaurant for the first time, we had a dream about a river of floating sushi boats. We can’t guarantee you’re destined for the same path. But we can confirm the fresh sushi and sashimi and plates of delicious edamame and pork gyoza at this small Miami Beach spot are reliably great. Plates don’t go above $15, unless it’s a standout dish like their fresh Bluefin Albacore, and quality is twice as good as comparable spots.
Since you’ll certainly want seconds, you can just grab another color-coded plate off a floating boat and enjoy more matcha ice cream and crepe cake for dessert—after you have your own wild dreams.
Nossa Omakase
$$$$ | (305) 539-9711 | WEBSITE
If you attempted to sample every noteworthy Japanese spot in Miami Beach, you’d need a calendar full of reservations just to hit the highlights. But the essential, can’t-miss destination on that list is Nossa Omakase. It’s an intimate speakeasy omakase that’s perfect for a special occasion or culinary adventure, offering meticulously crafted courses of fresh sushi and Japanese specialties. Focus on the signature experiences, like the dry-aged selection and the chef’s seasonal creations.
Just be aware that it’s exclusive and prix fixe only, so book well in advance and prepare your budget for a premium experience.
Myn-Tu
$$$$ | (786) 610-4200 | WEBSITE
Myn-Tu, a Japanese spot right in the heart of South Beach, has a lot of different excellent dishes. Your best bet, though, is the $28 tuna crispy rice, which features their most popular preparation—like perfectly seared tuna over crispy rice cakes—served with a spicy mayo drizzle. You can probably split one order between two people because the portions are so generous, or just get one for yourself and savor every bite.
Pubbelly Sushi
$$$ | (305) 531-9282 | WEBSITE
This sushi spot serves everything from pork belly dumplings with fresh ingredients to miso cod and crispy salmon rolls, and they do it with exceptional hospitality. On the weekend, you’ll likely spend at least 45 minutes waiting for a table, so come on a random Tuesday when you’re supposed to be at a ‘doctor’s appointment’ instead to avoid the lines.
The Den
$$$$ | (786) 276-0520 | WEBSITE
You just had a long day at the office, and you’re craving something that feels like an escape without leaving the city. Instead of settling for another predictable sushi spot, head to The Den. When it comes to Japanese omakase in Miami Beach, you can’t do much better, and the service is exceptional.
Grab a seat at the counter for the Sakizuke appetizer and watch the chefs prepare the perfectly grilled Yakimono, then savor the outstanding nigiri selection before they bring out the carefully curated cocktails. The private dining room offers a great view of the artistry in action, and the good-sized portions make it feel like a worthwhile splurge at around $150 per person. It’s a place for those in the know to enjoy top-notch food and service without the pretense—just pure, precise flavor.
Fuji Teriyaki
$ | (305) 538-8848 | WEBSITE
Walk into Fuji Teriyaki around lunchtime and you may find that half of Miami Beach has beaten you to all the teriyaki chicken in the kitchen. Don’t let this happen. If it does, have no fear—they also make great, savory teriyaki beef as well as satisfying sushi bento boxes. Stop in when you want a quick rice bowl, or with friends for group meals that still come out with decent waiting time. The Dragon Roll was good sushi in that typical fast food setup, and the portions will leave you really full.
Japón at The Setai
$$$$ | (305) 520-6000 | WEBSITE
There are a few reasons why this spot is a must-try, and it’s not just the fresh raw fish dishes and perfectly cooked miso cod. It’s the only place in town that blends inventive Japanese flavors with a lively, inviting atmosphere in one upscale dining room. In fact, it’s a combination that works so well that people gladly pay around $45 for entrees just to experience it.
When you’re looking for something special, stop by for the creative cocktails and seasonal tasting menu we’ve dreamed of since our first visit.
Makoto
$$$ | (305) 864-8600 | WEBSITE
Makoto serves incredible hamachi in ponzu sauce, rock shrimp tempura with perfect crunch, and wagyu hot stone that sizzles right at your table. The Bal Harbour spot doesn’t look like much from the outside—it’s possible you’ll be the only person inside who isn’t a regular—but it’s easily the best place to eat modern Japanese food in Miami.
SuViche – Sushi and Ceviche
$$ | (305) 777-3555 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been to the original SuViche in Miami Beach, then you already know it has consistently delicious dishes like crispy rice, ceviche, and that roll with yuzu in the name. Plus, the happy hour cocktails are way more generous than they look. The SuViche in this part of town has pretty much the same food and drink situation as the main spot, but it’s way more spacious and there’s usually a seat available—even if you show up with your entire group.
Hibachi House South Beach
$$ | (305) 763-8780 | WEBSITE
We’re basically in a committed relationship with Hibachi House South Beach on Ocean Drive. The sizzle of the hibachi grill has become our personal soundtrack, the lively atmosphere has taken over our Instagram feeds, and we’re considering writing love letters to the chefs after devouring the Big Hibachi meal.
This casual Japanese spot has warm lighting, a handful of tables where you can watch them prepare salmon and steak on the hot grill, and friendly staff who’ll happily share the restaurant’s story. It’s our new favorite for a generous dinner or weekend treat when all we crave is perfectly seasoned hibachi cooked with fresh ingredients.
Sérêvène by Chef Pawan Pinisetti
$$$$ | (786) 636-6440 | WEBSITE
Sérêvène by Chef Pawan Pinisetti is a French-Japanese spot in Miami Beach serving things like lobster alfredo, lobster uni alfredo, asparagus, spring rolls, and some of the best foie gras crème brûlée in Florida. And with an open kitchen at the center, you can have a front-row seat to Chef Pinisetti and his team creating something as beautiful as another perfect tasting menu.
Azabu Miami Beach
$$$$ | (786) 276-0520 | WEBSITE
You probably remember the wave of Japanese spots that hit Miami Beach over the years. But Azabu Miami Beach has emerged as a standout, and we’re thrilled to report that the cuisine and service are now worth planning a special trip for. We love the crispy rice appetizer, which balances texture and flavor with impressive complexity. The strawberry shaved ice dessert is a standout, but all of these dishes are thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and have a notably fresh quality.
You’ll be happy whether you have the Brussels sprouts as a starter or the Miami Spice option customized for dietary needs, and it’ll taste just as good with recommendations from server Akshay as it does with a cocktail from bartender Ojani. The dim but well-lit ambiance allows for comfortable conversation, making the upscale experience feel warm rather than stuffy.
While prices lean toward the higher side, the fantastic fish quality and attentive, customer-centric service make it well worth a visit—we’re already looking forward to returning for another amazing meal.
El Secreto Omakase
$$$$ | (786) 655-5600 | WEBSITE
We often find ourselves craving an evening that feels truly special, where every detail is considered and each bite feels like a discovery. If that sounds like your kind of night, make your way to El Secreto Omakase. Tucked away in a secret corridor of the Faena hotel, this exclusive speakeasy offers an omakase experience that’s as intimate as it is impressive. With a server, manager, sommelier, and two chefs attending to just a small group, you’re treated like royalty from the moment you arrive.
The artfully presented dishes—each one praised for its heavenly taste—are the stars here. Our favorite moment came with a piece of toro that melted like butter, followed by a scallop so fresh it tasted of the sea itself. Each course is slightly sweet, briny, and has everything that makes a perfect sushi meal so memorable—but with none of the fuss.
Sushi Bichi
$$$ | (305) 397-8749 | WEBSITE
Sushi Bichi makes Japanese fusion good enough to be your last meal on earth. With beautiful views from the dining area and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, you could spend the evening at their tables (except on Mondays, when they’re closed). Plus, after diving into a plate of consistently amazing sushi, signature rolls, and the popular steak with collard greens, black beans, and rice, you won’t have the energy to get up anyway.
Come here for an easygoing lunch when you have no plans for the rest of the day, or for a satisfying dinner while enjoying their fantastic sake selection, including the rare ‘first run’ Masumi Arabashiri.
